Mubashir Alam Wani
Jammu, Mar 7: The Jammu and Kashmir budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday has drawn a largely positive response from Congress leaders, with JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra calling it “pro-people” and “positive,” while senior leader G.A. Mir termed it a “good start” given the current circumstances.
Reacting to the budget, Karra, stated that all major social sectors had been addressed, with a focus on the welfare of the poorest families.
“From what we have heard so far, the budget appears to be in favour of the people. It has a lot of positivity, and almost all social sectors have been touched,” he said.
He, however, refrained from making a conclusive statement, stating the need for a thorough review. “Only after studying the budget can we assess the gaps and whether they have been sufficiently addressed,” he added.
Karra also hinted that Congress had no immediate objections but would closely examine the modalities of implementation. “Now, let us see what modalities are fixed in this, we will find out,” he said.
Senior Congress leader G.A. Mir echoed similar sentiments, stating that this was the first budget after seven years under the current “elected government.” “This budget lays the foundation for what was promised during elections, particularly by the alliance partners. For the unemployed, the poor, and overall development, this budget gives a positive indication,” Mir said.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory (UT) status, Mir said, “We have a five-year mandate, and all commitments need to be fulfilled within this period. There are financial constraints, but despite those, the budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is as good as it can be in the current situation.”
Responding to the announcement of free 200 units of electricity to only AAY families, JKPPC chief Karra said their party had also proposed the same for the poor families only.
When asked about his overall impression, the JKPCC chief maintained an optimistic stance. “The overall budget seems positive,” he said.
